The elevated viaduct connecting Tijuana Airport to Playas de Tijuana will not reach the entrance of Playas as initially expected. Instead, it will end at Matadero Canyon.
When announced, the project was described as a roadway with elevated sections and tunnels, starting at Bulevar Aeropuerto and ending at the entrance to Playas de Tijuana, covering 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles).
The route was originally set to begin near the gas station currently operated by Rendichicas at the boundary of Playas de Tijuana. However, the on- and off-ramps are now being built before reaching the Mirador area and the La Isla subdivision.
Two tunnels were included in the design: one under the Soler subdivision and another under La Isla. The tunnel under La Isla was canceled due to geographic obstacles that made construction impossible.
To replace the tunnel, an elevated section will pass through the Mirador area. In March last year, Brigadier General and engineer Raúl Manzano Vélez from Sedena told local residents that part of the Mirador hill would be used for construction but assured them the area would be improved.
Residents of Mirador expressed concerns, saying they would lose part of their park, which is already in poor condition.
Construction is visibly progressing, but it is now clear the road will end at Matadero Canyon rather than at the entrance to Playas.
The project was estimated to span 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) with an investment of 12,038 million pesos (approximately 638 million USD). With the change, the route will be shortened by about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles).
Salvador Díaz, president of the El Mirador neighbors’ association, said they were not informed of the change but noted it is clear the hill will not be cut through.
He added that personally, he believes this was the best option but said the project could have benefited from two additional access points.
This project aims to improve mobility in the region, benefiting residents, visitors, and cross-border commerce. According to the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC), travel times will be reduced by 55.26 percent, saving about 12 minutes per trip for light vehicles. Additionally, the National Infrastructure Fund (FONADIN) states the project will facilitate freight transit from Tijuana Customs and reduce noise and air pollution levels.
The engineer in charge, Raúl Manzano, was contacted for this report but said he was not authorized to speak and referred the request to Sedena’s Communications Department.
